There I am, a week ago with the crew as an Ascociate Advisor, in one of my first official roles in said job. Our outing was simply an overdue birthday party for one one of our founding members (a young lady).
I happened to arrive downtown a little early, so I waited outside the fancy chinese restaunt we were supposed to rondevous at. As it was an unnaturally cold and blustery evening, it didn't take long for me to take cover in the restaurant. I gave it 10-15 minutes of waiting before I got to wondering about whether I had arrived late. Turns out my problems were unjustified. Next thing I knew, my fellow advisor (who knew a bit more about the event than I did) tapped me on the back, and asked the store director where the party for the group was being held. Being closer to that person could've helped, but you do what you can. Turns out, some more of the people from this girl's history past and present turned up as 20 years of history fell from those tables, and time was spent with each guest by the star of the show. All too soon, it was time to pack up, pick up, and move down the road for ice cream, hot chocolate, and brownies. It was about 9:30p when they decided to go to the Barnes& Nobles in the Mall, but I was tired and didn't want to push my success with the seizures, now that I've finally got something going here, seizure-med wise. So I had my dad come pick me up. One of my several missions at this point in my life is to re-gain the confidence needed to begin going out again that I have lost in the three years I've been here. And when I mean here, I mean this house for the most part, but things are starting to look up.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
CPUseless
So I tried something new. I tried something outside my comfort zone. I tried to download and burn some dvd's off a website. Eventually, I was successfull in downloading a movie and a few tv episodes, and then it happened... My computer contracted a virus, or several of them, and then my middle bro had to throw me a lifeline by reloading my OS on my computer (or something like that.) Then, being true to my curiosity and tenacity, proceeded to download a few more episodes of that tv series. Apparently, it came at a high cost. My computer contracted what's termed as a "Trojan" virus, which means you have to take your computer apart from the inside out and totally reprogram it.
With help from my dad, (as he had patience with me) we got my computer running again.
My brothers make it look so easy with anything car or computer related, and yet, there is such a wide gap between us in knowledge and skill on the computer. My youngest brother has little patience and would prefer to write down notes for me, and expects me to know everything he knows whereas I need repitition actually doing the subject in question. My middle brother can help me on my level, that is, unless, he's got his mind on other things, but I'm learning. In a family where more than 1/2 the members know the computer backwards, forwards, and out the window, it doesn't pay to be ignorant of them. I just want to be dangerous, and I proved that. Just look at my accomplishments so far: let's see, downloaded two viruses, and one trojan. The only compu-smart thing I ever did was download a backup program before the whole sucker went down. It saved everything. I guess I didn't do so badly after all. GUESS WHO HAD THE LAST LAUGH!!!
P.S. To the ladies or gentlemen who create downloadable movies with viruses in them: Can't you find better things to do with your time? If you don't want your movies viewed, don't post them.
With help from my dad, (as he had patience with me) we got my computer running again.
My brothers make it look so easy with anything car or computer related, and yet, there is such a wide gap between us in knowledge and skill on the computer. My youngest brother has little patience and would prefer to write down notes for me, and expects me to know everything he knows whereas I need repitition actually doing the subject in question. My middle brother can help me on my level, that is, unless, he's got his mind on other things, but I'm learning. In a family where more than 1/2 the members know the computer backwards, forwards, and out the window, it doesn't pay to be ignorant of them. I just want to be dangerous, and I proved that. Just look at my accomplishments so far: let's see, downloaded two viruses, and one trojan. The only compu-smart thing I ever did was download a backup program before the whole sucker went down. It saved everything. I guess I didn't do so badly after all. GUESS WHO HAD THE LAST LAUGH!!!
P.S. To the ladies or gentlemen who create downloadable movies with viruses in them: Can't you find better things to do with your time? If you don't want your movies viewed, don't post them.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ladybug, Fly On Home
""What we've got here...is failure to communicate." Yes, that might sound familiar to you, but it neatly sums up the troubles I've been having with my tenants. Yes, I said MY tenants. Turns out said renters are 9-10 ladybugs that were all huddled up in a corner in my room. As long as it was cold (for Houston, anyway) they behaved themselves, which has been for about two months now. Suddenly, they start going about six-ways from nowhere, culminating in me dabbling in the catch-and-release business, yesterday. Did you ever try to catch a ladybug? It's harder than it looks, and the tougher job is keeping it in the can. Plus, I had a coupla' more customers waiting for me downstairs by the back door. How they got up to my second-story room I'll never know. My mom is attacked by these insects nigh on every night as she uses a fluorescent lamp to do her quilling by at a table every night in the family room. I'm beginning to think it's the light and some signal that's emitting from same that's interfereing with the ladybug's headset and instrumentation; kind of like a bug zapper of sorts. Well, I was determined on getting all of those bugs outta there alive, so I got my tools: A flyswatter, and a coffee can. Like I said, capturing them is only half the battle, the harder half is keeping them contained. You can pretty much imagine that with 13-14 ladybugs, that was a lot of trips out my back door. The survivors were the ones that flew away to get caught another day. Usually, catch and release is for fish, but I take it to a Higher level; Try ladybug rescue.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!!!
To everyone near or far from this secret location undeneath the umbrella of the Houston metroplex, Merry Christmas, and Have a Happy New Years! Saying "Happy Holidays" is for wimps. When I want to say something, folks, I don't mess around.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Divine Intervention
Did you ever get the Christmas blues so bad that you couldn't shake'em no matter how hard you tried? I've found out that examining yourself inside, down deep, taking a couple of days to do it, talking to God, and talk to someone you trust really helps.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A Tale of Four Elements Pt. 7 & Finale
Got an early start on the day. We picked up, packed up, and prepared to move out. After I came down from the loft (I will never do that again) I proceeded to have a Grand Mal seizure. Thank God that I was safely on the good ol' terra firma before I had it, because like most of them, I am unnaturally sensitive, and yes, I was conscious for this one. Each seizure is it's own individual world of hurt, and no two are the same. That's just the way it is. As soon as I was able (aka 20-30 min) I got back in the game and continued to help in packing up.
I barely got some oatmeal down my stomach and was able to stand, maybe walk, when dad was ready to get the truck and trailer, meaning I was to go with him and M.
Now, it's not a long ride into Livingston from the state park, it's just a matter of finding the Uhaul place. After 5-10 minutes of looking, we finally find the place, only there's no building. All I saw was a newly-built half modular building up on cinder blocks with no a/c which I could have really used then, because I was starting to get nauseated for some reason. My mom once told how she found I was so hot-natured (body-temp). In '88 my parents had a picture taken of them in period dress, holding me (also in costume). There was little to no breeze that day, and you can tell how happy I am because of the waterworks dripping from the costume. I had no a/c on me, plus, no breeze. In short, I hate being hot. I think that played a part into my nausea, but the rest of the players were my meds. It took dad 15 minutes to secure truck and trailer, but that didn't really matter at the moment. What mattered was if there was a was a trashcan I could upchuck in if I had to. Finally, we were outta' there, Dad and I in the truck, and M driving the van. I'm not fond of Matt driving anything but his Mustang. Safe to say, we got back in one piece, and yes, I kept my all of my cookies where they belonged.
This is where I might lose you. I felt like the presence of the two elderly women across the road, well, were not all they might have shown themselves to be. I as a Christian am steeped in the Bible, and I believe we might have been neighbors with guardian angels for a few days. I just have a gut feeling. Their timing was impeccable for the whole time we were there. Take this any which way you want. As for me, I think God was in that place the whole time, but that's just me.
Finally saw the National bird, the Bald Eagle. perched atop a 50 ft tree. And here was I thinkin' I was going to have to go all the way up to Alaska to see them.
We're out of the shelter ahead of time about 11:30ish-12p and on the road for good, having enjoyed each other's company about as much as we do at home, only we don't have too many electronics out here. That's what camping's all about. Whoops! Didn't pack something? Adapt. That's the name of the game. That's the fun in camping is when you get to adapt and change things when the presise instrument is out to lunch. How we beat all four elements is a miracle, but it took the whole family. In short IT WAS A TEAM EFFORT!!! THANKS GUYS!!!
I barely got some oatmeal down my stomach and was able to stand, maybe walk, when dad was ready to get the truck and trailer, meaning I was to go with him and M.
Now, it's not a long ride into Livingston from the state park, it's just a matter of finding the Uhaul place. After 5-10 minutes of looking, we finally find the place, only there's no building. All I saw was a newly-built half modular building up on cinder blocks with no a/c which I could have really used then, because I was starting to get nauseated for some reason. My mom once told how she found I was so hot-natured (body-temp). In '88 my parents had a picture taken of them in period dress, holding me (also in costume). There was little to no breeze that day, and you can tell how happy I am because of the waterworks dripping from the costume. I had no a/c on me, plus, no breeze. In short, I hate being hot. I think that played a part into my nausea, but the rest of the players were my meds. It took dad 15 minutes to secure truck and trailer, but that didn't really matter at the moment. What mattered was if there was a was a trashcan I could upchuck in if I had to. Finally, we were outta' there, Dad and I in the truck, and M driving the van. I'm not fond of Matt driving anything but his Mustang. Safe to say, we got back in one piece, and yes, I kept my all of my cookies where they belonged.
This is where I might lose you. I felt like the presence of the two elderly women across the road, well, were not all they might have shown themselves to be. I as a Christian am steeped in the Bible, and I believe we might have been neighbors with guardian angels for a few days. I just have a gut feeling. Their timing was impeccable for the whole time we were there. Take this any which way you want. As for me, I think God was in that place the whole time, but that's just me.
Finally saw the National bird, the Bald Eagle. perched atop a 50 ft tree. And here was I thinkin' I was going to have to go all the way up to Alaska to see them.
We're out of the shelter ahead of time about 11:30ish-12p and on the road for good, having enjoyed each other's company about as much as we do at home, only we don't have too many electronics out here. That's what camping's all about. Whoops! Didn't pack something? Adapt. That's the name of the game. That's the fun in camping is when you get to adapt and change things when the presise instrument is out to lunch. How we beat all four elements is a miracle, but it took the whole family. In short IT WAS A TEAM EFFORT!!! THANKS GUYS!!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Tale of Four Elements Pt. 6
We had a brief breakfast to start day 6 of our expedition at Lake Livingston S.P. Dad, Dan, and Matt really needed to quicktime it on the repairs to that truck, but mom had traced out a pattern of the of one of the radiator's thingamabobs (yeah, flunked car anatomy 101, too). Really not trying to become permanent inhabitents of the park or notify our next of kin; we were just trying to enjoy our vacation, which is what led me take a shower after breakfast. As soon as this was done, I stepped outside the restrooms and I thought I saw a 'coon, only it wasn't. It had the body and colory of a long house cat, and tail of a raccoon. I haven't researched this creature yet, but with my inquisitive nature, you can be sure I will.
Ok. Car update. Filter failed. All we can think of at this time is a tow truck. Now the choice is logically Triple A, in fact, my mom gets all the through to the office in Livingston, but the call is cut off just in time for me to have an epiphany- Why not rent a small truck and trailer to get our things home? Boom! Instant success! Less expensive than a full-year plan. I couldn't help feelin' kinda' proud of myself, since everyone but yours truely had gotten involved with that truck, I finally jumped in at the last. I guess it was a "Family" campout after all. It all matters in how you look at it. I thought we were going up to the state park to relax, and yet, the opposite happened. Now we need a true vacation to recover from our last "vacation."
Heard what I thought was a Bald Eagle. Never have seen one live and in the wild before, so that inspired me to go on a picture exploration. Once again, another beautiful day.
When I got back, Dad was finally ready to go exploring. So I took my camara and dad drove us to the far end of the park, exploring some nature trails, and the marina on the way. This was a unique park in that it did "horse hikes." They were seasonal of course, and shut down at the moment, but we found a really nice campground there, too.
On our return, I promptly sat down to a idyllic scene out back on the "porch" picnic table. I sat there and read for about an hour when dad built another fire and starting the coals for the dutch ovens. I insisted that we have dinner outside on our final night. That, like all of the sunsets, were individual, and one-of-a-kind, and naturally, I couldn't resist it. It was nice, sitting down with my family by a roaring campfire with a good meal fighting off the biting cold. About 10p. we finally turned in after several rounds of Chickenfoot. (You may have noticed that's our favorite family game on campouts- That's just a rumor started by a constant winner at the game.)
Ok. Car update. Filter failed. All we can think of at this time is a tow truck. Now the choice is logically Triple A, in fact, my mom gets all the through to the office in Livingston, but the call is cut off just in time for me to have an epiphany- Why not rent a small truck and trailer to get our things home? Boom! Instant success! Less expensive than a full-year plan. I couldn't help feelin' kinda' proud of myself, since everyone but yours truely had gotten involved with that truck, I finally jumped in at the last. I guess it was a "Family" campout after all. It all matters in how you look at it. I thought we were going up to the state park to relax, and yet, the opposite happened. Now we need a true vacation to recover from our last "vacation."
Heard what I thought was a Bald Eagle. Never have seen one live and in the wild before, so that inspired me to go on a picture exploration. Once again, another beautiful day.
When I got back, Dad was finally ready to go exploring. So I took my camara and dad drove us to the far end of the park, exploring some nature trails, and the marina on the way. This was a unique park in that it did "horse hikes." They were seasonal of course, and shut down at the moment, but we found a really nice campground there, too.
On our return, I promptly sat down to a idyllic scene out back on the "porch" picnic table. I sat there and read for about an hour when dad built another fire and starting the coals for the dutch ovens. I insisted that we have dinner outside on our final night. That, like all of the sunsets, were individual, and one-of-a-kind, and naturally, I couldn't resist it. It was nice, sitting down with my family by a roaring campfire with a good meal fighting off the biting cold. About 10p. we finally turned in after several rounds of Chickenfoot. (You may have noticed that's our favorite family game on campouts- That's just a rumor started by a constant winner at the game.)
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